Energy
Reliant On Unregulated Energy Companies
Today a federal grand jury indicted Reliant Energy for manipulating the California energy market as far back as June 2000. Reliant at…
Apr 9, 2004Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Reliant Energy Charged With Manipulating California Market
Indictments Should Clear Path For Refunds to State and Block Energy Company Proposals to Resurrect Deregulation in CA
Apr 8, 2004
Healthcare
Malpractice Legislation Remains Stuck In the Senate
The New York Times The legislation "would directly benefit Senator Frist's family's hospital chain and insurance company and increase his personal fortune,"…
Apr 8, 2004
Energy
Group Asks California Attorney General to Force Shell to Keep Refinery Open
The Bakersfield Californian The FTC told a U.S. senator on Tuesday that it is evaluating Shell's decision to close the Rosedale Highway…
Apr 8, 2004
Healthcare
Frist should recuse himself from debate
Jackson Sun (Jackson, Tennessee) How can Senator Frist argue legitimately that his own family's extensive holdings in the health care field won't…
Apr 8, 2004
Energy
FTC Will Review Shell Oil’s Plan to Close Refinery;
Some antitrust experts wonder whether the Bakersfield plant is in the agency's jurisdiction.Los Angeles Times Jamie Court, president of Santa Monica-based FTCR,…
Apr 8, 2004
Energy
Shell refinery closure called move to drive up gas prices
Sacramento Bee The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights released internal Shell documents showing Bakersfield's refining margin at $23.01 per barrel, or…
Apr 7, 2004
Healthcare
Senate ethics panel asked to probe Frist
UPI - United Press International The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights filed a complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee Monday, asking…
Apr 7, 2004
Healthcare
Senate Again Tries Medical Malpractice Bill
Associated Press Opponents of the bill also filed a complaint against Frist, a heart surgeon, for participating in the debate since his…
Apr 7, 2004
Insurance
Save Prop. 103
The San Francisco Chronicle California's congressional delegation needs to work hard -- and fast -- to stop federal legislation that could undermine…
Apr 7, 2004
Energy
Refinery closure angers watchdog
The Californian (Salinas, CA) "This is a national example of how refiners cheat rather than compete in the restriction of supply by…
Apr 7, 2004
Energy
Opponents gear up against Shell Oil;
Consumer group asks Lockyer to halt plan to close refineryThe San Francisco Chronicle "Only an oil company that wants to short the…
Apr 7, 2004
Healthcare
Ethics Complaint Cites Frist’s Work On Medical Malpractice Legislation
Washington Post A consumer rights foundation has asked the Senate ethics committee to investigate whether Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) improperly promoted…
Apr 7, 2004New Analysis of 46 States and D.C. Shows California Far Below Average in Collecting Drug Rebates
"Collectinator" Failed To Collect Up To $1.3 Billion Dollars Owed By Pharmaceutical Companies - Worst in U.S.
Apr 7, 2004
Energy
Consumer watchdog questions refinery shutdown
The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA) "This is a really major fraud on the public to close a refinery that creates 2…
Apr 7, 2004California Group Challenges 29.2% Rate Hike Proposed by California’s Ninth Largest Medical Malpractice Insurer
Proposition 103 Invoked to Block $5,700 Per Doctor Hike By Medical Protective Co. The proposed hike, affecting California physicians and surgeons, would…
Apr 7, 2004
Healthcare
Complaint alleges Frist conflict of interest
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee) FTCR's complaint states Sen. Frist transferred HCA stock worth between $10 million & $30 million to blind…
Apr 7, 2004
Energy
Consumer Group Demands Shell Keep Bakersfield Refinery Open
Oil Daily A consumer rights group, citing internal Royal Dutch/Shell documents, says the Anglo Dutch major is set to close the 70,000…
Apr 6, 2004